Mississippi twister carves long path of wreckage

Mississippi twister carves long path of wreckage

Feb 12, 2013, 03.02 PM IST

Text:AP

Mississippi residents are marveling that no one died after a powerful tornado tore a path across at least three counties, injuring more than 80 people.

Officials said several circumstances converged to ensure no lives were lost in what should have been a deadly storm: Sirens and TV broadcasts gave people as much as 30 minutes of warning; the University of Southern Mississippi was emptier than usual because of Mardi Gras; and most businesses were either closed or quiet because it was a Sunday.

In pic: The demolished remains of an American Red Cross truck is seen on the street after a tornado touched down yesterday evening February 11, 2013 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.